Evacuation alert lifted for Williams Lake, B.C.; wildfire being held

A wildfire that broke out in Williams Lake, B.C., is being held and an evacuation alert for residents has been lifted, according to an update from officials Tuesday.

The River Valley Wildfire, which broke out Sunday evening and triggered tactical evacuations is no longer burning out of control, the city said in a statement, adding that crews made "significant progress" Monday.

"Due to a diminished risk of danger to life safety and property, the City of Williams Lake is lifting the evacuation alert," a spokesperson wrote Tuesday afternoon.

People are, however, being asked to stay away from the active fire zone.

“There is a lot of work still happening down there,” said Ashley Williston, with the city's emergency operations centre in a statement. “Crews are working on and monitoring hot spots, and we will be continuing to monitor the area moving forward, as well as starting to conduct danger, geotechnical and environmental assessments. We can’t stress this enough: people need to stay out of the River Valley as it is not safe at this time.”

The blaze is estimated at 40 hectares, and demonstrating "minimal behaviour," according to the BC Wildfire Service. Crews have established a 20-foot "wetline" around the fire's perimeter and are mopping up.

"Danger tree assessments and falling will continue as required to ensure there is a safe worksite for ground crews to work in the area. Aircraft will continue to be available to support, if required," the update on the BCWS website says.

Interior Health, in an update of its own, said a total of 21 residents of care homes were moved out of the community Monday night but that the situation has "stabilized" and no further evacuations are planned. Those who had to move will be brought back to their homes "gradually and carefully," the health authority said.